I agree with Suzanne. My microwave isn't anywhere near my oven, and I like it better that way. I never use the two simultaneously, so why clutter the area if I have the space to spread out? Go with roomier!

Ilana

I have a OTR microwave now due to space issues. But the next kitchen will have the microwave drawer and I am so excited about it! I think a range hood would look better with the pot filler also, less congested. What kind of range are you getting?

OTR microwaves are a terrific option for people with space problems. Otherwise, there are a number of reasons not to put them there. A big one, even before ventilation issues for many, is that it was a short-lived and now very outdated position for standard-size kitchens, one of those things people typically look forward to changing when they remodel. When that wall is what you see when you look into the kitchen, especially, there are far more attractive ways to design it.

Yes, you guys who really like your MW over your stove, I know. Good for you. :)

While OTR MW hoods are an "option", they're not a very good option in the majority of cases....although certainly better than no hood at all (maybe) or, possibly, a downdraft hood.

Unfortunately, most OTR MW hoods do not work very well as hoods. Many are only recirculating or are installed that way. Recirculating hoods do very little to vent out smoke, steam, grease, etc. Externally venting it will help a bit.

Part of the problem is that OTR MW hoods are not sized properly to capture all that grease, smoke, steam, odors, fumes, etc. They're both too shallow and too narrow.

Another part of the problem is the actual capture area is quite small...the fan is too small and there's rarely a recessed area to capture and then vent all that stuff.

Aside from the functionality of a hood, there are both safety and functional MW issues.

If installed properly according to the specs, most OTR MWs are mounted higher than is safe to use for many people. Then, add to that the fact that you have to reach over a hot range with hot food and, if gas, flames.

So you lean forward over the cooking surface (hot pots/pans, steam billowing up or grease splattering, flames), reach up to take hot food out of the MW (from above many people's eye level), bring it down from above being careful not to slosh the contents onto your face, .... Oh, and if someone else is cooking, they have to get out of your way when you put the food in the MW, when you check it, and when you remove the food from the MW.

They are also usually quite a bit louder than a "regular" or "true" hood.

If you have no other options b/c you truly have too little space (not the case in most instances), they are better than nothing. However, it's rarely the case there are no other options.

If you have any other options, I strongly recommend you get a separate hood & MW.

If it's b/w an OTR MW hood and real hood, then consider this for your pot filler "look":

• A MW hood is installed beneath a cabinet whose bottom is 30" above the cooking surface. Add the height of the MW hood, and you now have approx 16" b/w the cooking surface and the bottom of the MW hood.

OTOH, most hoods are installed so the bottom of the hood is installed 30" above the cooking surface...which means you have 15" to 16" more vertical space for the pot filler.

If it's b/w no hood at all and a hood, then learn from my parents' mistake. They have no hood and over time a layer of "gunk" has developed on the ceiling and cabinet above their range, on the walls behind and on the sides of the range, on the range "backsplash", and on adjacent cabinets. This "gunk" formed from a fine layer of grease + dust settling on the grease...over and over again. Even steam will make surfaces damp and allow those surfaces to "trap" dust. Yes, they periodically wiped down the walls & cabinets, but unless you do it every time you cook, you will eventually lose the battle.

If you really want to...

I have an OTR MW now and I plan to change to a range hood in my remodel. The main reason is for my children. I do not want them reaching over the gas burners to use MW.

Also, consider that OTR MW may not as have good venting as a stand alone venting unit (but I am not sure since my OTR MW is not vented outside and the recirculating hot air causes alot of problems at my house. How you feeling? Hot, Hot, Hot!).

I think they are a safty hazard over a range. Never liked never will. That being said I made a cubbie for ours. My sister even moved hers to a pantry shelf. My other sister got a micro/convection combo by GE profile. She can make it into a second wall oven by switching a few pieces. Here is mine

I don't think pot fillers go with microhoods. Pot fillers go with serious hoods because pot fillers indicate serious cooking IMHO. Suzanne posted my kitchen above and I'm so glad I hid my microwave. My doors slide back so they're out of the way when I use it (and for ventilation). HTH.

Having had all three, this is my preference:

1. A real hood over the range. MW in a dedicated space off the counter (built in or on a shelf designed for it)
2. OTR micro hood
. .
. .
. .
. 3. MW taking up space on the counter

In our condo kitchen we went from 3 to 2 (no possibility for 1 due to size constraints), and it was fine (and a huge improvement). We invested extra $$ in a Dacor convection micro hood that was about as aesthetically pleasing as a micro hood can be and had as high a CFM rating as you can get, and that investment was totally worth it.

All that said, though, I agree that a potfiller and an OTR MW is an odd combination... but I've found that most things start to blend in after a while, as long as they are functional.

I'm repeating, but unless there is a space issue, get a hood. We just went from MW over the cooktop to a hood. I wanted the power of the hood so steam would not drift over to my gorgeous expensive new cabinets. I also didn't want the straight line of my cabinets broken by a microwave cabinet, not did I want it on the counter. We don't use the MW for real cooking, just warming and defrosting. So it went on the metal shelves in the laundry room, just a step from the kitchen. It was also cheaper, because we bought SS, just big enough to hold a dinner plate.

Forgive me I have to chime in.

I know this is the great debate.

I detest my Over the range mw. If I could rip it out
(finances are strained this year) I would do it. I really
dislike it...

The number one reason is the crowding issue. I like to
cook at my range without any having to step aside.
I might be cooking a meal that takes time stirring,
simmering, double boiling... ( Rissotto, stew, chilli...)
And I get interrupted because someone in my house needs
to defrost, or make popcorn, or melt cheese... I always
have to step back and let the MW cook do their thing.
I wish the MW were any place else. Yes, even the garage
would be a better place than where it is now. I regret
that I did not spend the time, money and effort when I
was first planning this. My DH kept telling me we can
always move it later. Well, later has not come.
: (

If you have the chance to move it to a different place,
You won't regret it. I have never heard of someone on GW
saying

"I wish I had put my microwave over my range.
Why didn't I move my MW over the range?"

Good luck and don't let my silly rant sway you.

Smiles,
boxerpups

We had an OTR microwave before we moved. I disliked it. When I put it in I didn't realize how it would be difficult for one person cooking and the other microwaving to function or how it was a safety issue for the kids to use it or how my smallest child can't even come close to reaching it even with a stool. But my biggest gripe is the inadequate venting. Sometimes our house would smell of dinner the next afternoon still. It drove me nuts. In our build, I'm getting a real vented hood along with a microwave drawer. I cannot wait! And I agree that pot fillers don't "go" with OTR microwaves but more with kitchens that have vented hoods. If your doing the pot filler, do the regular vent hood.

babs711
Great point. I totally forgot about the venting
peice. Truly it does not vent outside, just re-circulates
stale, greasy, burnt air right back into my face.

Just one more notch in the belt of why I detest the ORT mw.
One fine day I will have this coveted hood.
~boxerpups

Okay maybe one of these lovelies with a pot filler....

This is pretty but it does not work for the way I cook.
: (

An OTR and potfiller is an oxymoron. One says space challenged condo kitchen or builder grade special and the other says a large professional cooking space that is so big that you have to have a second source of water near the stove because it's a two day hike to the sink. If you want a pot filler, then you have to have a hood, and a pretty big pro looking one ,not one of those wimpy undercabinet types.

NOT this.

Something with some presence, like this GE undercabinet hood.

Or a chimney hood like this from Ikea.

Or you could do an insert with a cabinet constructed surround wood hood, but it is a lot more expensive way to go.

In addition, you need either a cooktop or slide in range with a potfiller for it to look right. A regular freestanding range's back is too high and interferes with the sight lines.

I would never have a microwave over my range. I'm 5' tall, and it's just too dangerous. Even the back burners can be a challenge for me sometimes. I'm afraid "the girls" will get in the way of the flame and catch on fire! Ha!

Love my microwave drawer. In my last kitchen, we had the micro/convection oven under the countertop. It was convenient most of the time, but sometimes it was difficult removing hot liquid. If I had a regular microwave, I'd prefer it somewhere above the counter. Either on the counter, or on a low shelf.

There is zero actual functional reason in a residential kitchen for a pot filler. If you have to have a pot filler, then you have to spend more on all of the required accompaniments to a pot filler. That means an actual nice looking hood, and a feature tile backsplash and a cooktop or pro style range. There is no point in actually putting in the focal point of a pot filler if it's going to be hidden by a microhood and tall standard range back.

We have a separate microwave cubby. Love that the real hood vents to outside. Love that DH can be getting something out of the microwave for dinner while I'm finishing something on the stove, or vice versa.